DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for the Czech RepublicDepart for the Czech Republic.

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in PragueArrive in the "Golden" city of Prague. The rest of the day is at leisure in Prague, considered one of Europe's most attractive cities; its historic city center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and briefing with your Tour Manager at the hotel.

DAY 3, Friday - Prague City Tour Your morning tour of Prague includes a visit to the 1000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, former residence of the Bohemian Kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the Charles Bridge and Lesser Town below and see the elegant courtyards, St. George Basilica and the St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square to view the world-famous Astronomical Clock and the Town Hall. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit the museums, galleries or wander along the banks of the Vltava River. Or, join the optional afternoon tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (Breakfast)

Optional: Terezin (PM)

DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in PragueToday is free to further explore this beautiful city independently. Visit the museums, galleries or stroll along Parizska Street, the city's famous shopping district. This evening, perhaps try traditional Czech cuisine at a popular restaurant. Remember to sample Prague's national treasure - its world-renowned beer. (Breakfast)

DAY 5, Sunday - Cruise Embarkation in RegensburgTime this morning for last minute sightseeing, or shopping in Prague before the early afternoon departure to Regensburg. Arrive at the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala Welcome Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise. (Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 6, Monday - Regensburg City TourThis morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the boat for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. At 3:00 pm, the ship will set sail for Passau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7, Tuesday - Morning in PassauDock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning, or, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on the boat, continue sailing during lunch and relax on board this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg

DAY 8, Wednesday - Melk AbbeyDisembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)

DAY 9, Thursday - Vienna City TourThis sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)

DAY 10, Friday - Bratislava City TourThis morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat sails along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the Kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 11, Saturday - Budapest City TourYour morning tour begins on the Pest side of the river; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 12, Sunday - Excursion to SzentendreDrive from Budapest to the colorful artist's colony of Szentendre in the scenic Danube Bend. This settlement became a creative center for artists to gather in the 1920's. Today, this quaint village is accented by Baroque architecture, galleries, crafts shops and charming boutiques. After the guided tour, time to stroll the winding cobbled streets, visit one of the many museums and contemporary galleries or just sit at an outdoor cafe, sip coffee and people-watch. Return to Budapest in the early afternoon. Tonight, an optional dinner and show in Budapest. Travel to the outskirts of Budapest for a traditional Hungarian Dinner in a scenic forested location. While dining, you'll be entertained by colorfully dressed dancers performing a variety of spirited folk dances accompanied by a group playing live gypsy music. (Breakfast)

Optional: Dinner & Show in Budapest (PM)

DAY 13, Monday - Full Day in BudapestToday, enjoy the delights of Budapest independently. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the "City of Baths" and visit a traditional Turkish bath house with its thermal baths and spas or, sample a delicious local pastry at one of Budapest’s famous coffee houses. Perhaps, take the optional half day tour of the Parliament, Great Dohany Synagogue and Market Hall. Begin at the impressive Hungarian House of Parliament, where you can view the Crown Jewels. Continue to the Moorish style Great Dohany Synagogue, the largest in Europe. View the magnificent Tree of Life and the stirring Raoul Wallenberg Memorial. Conclude the tour at the Great Market Hall and see the locals do their everyday shopping, the way they did hundred years ago. (Breakfast)

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board.

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.

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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.